Is the UK Getting an Extra Bank Holiday in 2025?

As 2025 approaches, many people in the UK are wondering if they’ll get an extra day off work to mark a special occasion. Bank holidays are always a highlight of the year — perfect for family time, short trips, or simply relaxing at home.

So, is the UK adding an extra bank holiday in 2025? Let’s look at what’s confirmed, what’s being discussed, and what it really means for your plans.

The Confirmed Bank Holidays for 2025

The UK government has officially announced the usual set of bank holidays for 2025. England and Wales will have eight public holidays, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have a few variations due to local traditions.

Here’s the list for England and Wales:

Scotland and Northern Ireland have additional or substitute holidays , such as St Andrew’s Day in Scotland and Battle of the Boyne in Northern Ireland but overall, the total remains roughly the same.

The Rumour: An Extra Bank Holiday for VE Day’s 80th Anniversary

There’s been a lot of speculation about adding a one-off bank holiday in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which falls on Thursday, 8 May 2025. This date marks the end of World War II in Europe a hugely significant moment in British history.

Veterans’ charities, including the Royal British Legion and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, have called for an extra day off to honour those who served during the war. Many campaigners argue that a nationwide holiday would be a fitting tribute and help younger generations learn about the sacrifices made.

Public opinion strongly supports the idea. A Mirror poll showed that 73% of people back an additional bank holiday for the VE Day anniversary. Some suggestions even propose linking it with the Early May Bank Holiday to create a four-day weekend.

The Government has already announced £10 million in funding for national commemorations and events marking both VE Day (May 8) and VJ Day (August 15), which marks the end of the war against Japan.

The Current Situation: No Extra Bank Holiday Confirmed

Despite strong public support, the government has not announced any extra bank holiday for 2025.

A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) stated that while the anniversaries will be “moments of huge significance” for the UK, the focus will be on community events, educational activities, and remembrance ceremonies, not an additional public holiday.

Similarly, Downing Street confirmed there are “no current plans” to add another day off in 2025. Cost and logistics are likely factors, as each extra bank holiday can cost the economy billions in lost productivity.

What to Expect in 2025

While there’s no extra day off confirmed, 2025 still offers plenty of long weekends and chances to plan short getaways. But keep taking updates for the 2026 and 2027 updates to get if there would be any extra holidays. Follow the regional holidays to get region wise extra holidays updates.

VE Day and VJ Day will still be marked with national remembrance events, military parades, exhibitions, and local tributes. The anniversaries provide an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the Second World War generation and educate younger Britons about their legacy.

In Summary

• No extra bank holiday has been approved for 2025 so far.
• VE Day (8 May 2025) marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe.
• The government is funding major commemorative events, but without adding a national day off.
• Public and veteran support remains strong, so future reconsideration isn’t impossible.

For the latest and official updates, check the GOV.UK Bank Holidays page.

Bottom Line:
The UK is not set to get an extra bank holiday in 2025 at least for now. But the year will still feature meaningful celebrations to honour a landmark moment in history. Whether or not an extra day off arrives, VE Day 2025 will be a time of reflection, gratitude, and national pride.